The home secretary must be very clear about how effective her proposals will be in curtailing those who pose a serious threat to the UK and what the potential consequences for ordinary members of the public will be.

Following the awful murder of Drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich last week, the political securocrats who claim to represent the interests of the British intelligence services have swung into action, demanding yet further surveillance powers for MI5 and MI6 "in order to prevent future Woolwich-style attacks".